Position Summary: The Director of Nursing, reporting directly to the Executive Director, provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all clinical operations within the community. This role ensures that residents consistently receive safe, high-quality, and person-centered care in alignment with state and federal regulations, organizational policies, and industry standards. The Director of Nursing oversees the entire clinical team, including nurses, resident assistants, CNAs, and medication technicians-by fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous professional development. In partnership with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams, the Director of Nursing leads the creation and implementation of individualized service plans, drives compliance and quality assurance efforts, and manages regulatory readiness, including direct engagement with surveyors. By balancing operational oversight with compassionate clinical leadership, the Director of Nursing plays a critical role in supporting resident dignity, independence, and well-being, while advancing the community's mission and organizational goals.
Essential Functions: - Oversee the delivery of quality care and services to our residents in compliance with the regulations pertaining to care plans and resident assessments.
- Develop and implement nursing service objectives, policies, and procedures in coordination with organizational goals and objectives, in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
- Strive to maintain a safe working environment through the prevention of accidents, the preservation of equipment, and the achievement of safe working practices.
- Provide nursing coverage and assistance when needed.
- Assess residents and potential residents for appropriate levels of care with the sense of urgency.
- Manage and coordinate the work of all nursing and care staff, communicating pertinent resident health and safety information.
- Supervise and monitor medications for residents who self-administer if applicable.
- Oversee the pharmacy and community relationship including ensuring medications are delivered timely, eMAR is accurate, and address any concerns in real time.
- Provide interim documentation as required to resident file, attending all scheduled interdisciplinary resident care meetings.
- Responsible for overseeing the entire clinical department including residents' assistants, certified nursing assistants, medication technicians, etc.
- Interview, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and retain a high-performing resident care team.
- Hold service plan meetings with residents and families to discuss service plans.
- Direct communication with surveyors during IDPH surveys and assisting with plan of corrections.
- Implement and maintain ISPs in accordance with state regulations that align with Cedarhurst policies for personalized care.
- Implement and maintain infection control policy and procedures.
- Ensure communities remain compliant with CLIA waver.
- Manage inventory and order nursing care supplies as needed.
- Understand all responsibilities associated with clinical roles and demonstrate the ability to effectively carry them out.
- Engage in efforts to increase occupancy rates while prioritizing the well being of our residents to support them in aging comfortably within the community.
- Promote the physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing of each resident and strive to maintain the ultimate goal, which is to return the resident to their maximum level of self-care and independence, when possible.
- Understand the resident's Advance Directives and follows their wishes.
- Ensure effective communication is being utilized by community staff with the residents' families concerning residents' care, encompassing their physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing.
- Work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
- Create and manage the department schedule through the Attendance on Demand platform to ensure adequate coverage according to the labor budget and ensure all key AOD expectations and guidelines are consistently met.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: - Graduation from an accredited school of nursing with a current, active state license as an LPN or RN is required. A minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience is preferred.
- CPR or BLS certification preferred.
- Working knowledge of best person-directed care practices for seniors, including those with dementia preferred.
- Knowledgeable of and experienced in conducting preadmission assessments, training, and education to staff, residents, and family members.
- Experience in a similar role, preferably within a senior living community or healthcare setting preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency in common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word), web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and any HR-related systems as applicable.
Working Conditions: - This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
- This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
- Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
- This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
- Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.
